Commenting on the Humboldt County General Plan Update (GPU) is now easier than ever, according to a press release from the Humboldt County Administrative Office. Michael Richardson, currently the lead staff person involved in the GPU process, clarified the change by saying, “We are trying to make participation in the General Plan Update as simple and easy as possible to encourage public involvement.”

On that page, click on the "Submit a Public Comment" Button which then opens your e-mail program preaddressed to: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with the subject line "Public Comment on the GPU", or you can just bypass this and address your own e-mail using the same e-mail address and subject.

According to the press release, "Once comments are submitted, they will go to the Board of Supervisors, be placed in the web-based meeting record, and be displayed on the GPU website under the ‘Public Comments’ web page. The process has been streamlined to remove layers of information that were between the website and users trying to submit comments."

A press release from the Humboldt County Sheriff''s Office describes three investigations conducted this week which netted a total of 16,370 growing marijuana plants, large quantities of fertilizer and 2nd generation anticoagulant rodenticide bait, as well as other toxic substances. The sites were located in Brushy Mountain Lookout on Friday Ridge-Willow Creek, the Supply Creek Watershed on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation, and in Le-Terron Flat, Orleans.

Agents also found a recently deceased Fisher at one of the sites. Fishers are presently under review by the State and Federal agencies as candidates for listing as endangered species. Investigators will conduct a necropsy on the fisher to determine the cause of death. The complete press release appears below.

Use the player below to hear more on this story in a piece aired by KMUD News Correspondent, Christina Aanestad, on the KMUD Local News Thurs., Aug. 1, 2013.

On 07-29-2013, at approximately 7:00 a.m. Humboldt County Sheriff’s Office Deputies, United States Forest Service (U.S.F.S.) Agents , Hoopa Valley Tribal Police ( H.V.T.P.) Officers and the Cannabis Eradication and Reclamation Team (C.E.R.T.) conducted an open field investigation and eradication of a large marijuana cultivation site below the Brushy Mountain Lookout on Friday Ridge, Willow Creek. Three civilian scientific researchers with a background in wildlife, toxicology and ecology were with the officers when they entered the marijuana site. The officers eradicated 7521 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from 4’ tall to 6’ tall. All the marijuana was being cultivated on United States Forest Service Land. While conducting the investigation the researchers and deputies located the following:

Deputies also located fresh hot dogs strung from a tree on treble fish hooks, along with two dead deer carcasses and a bird, a Hermit thrush. Officers also witnessed environmental damage to the watershed.

On 07-31-2013, at approximately 7:00 a.m., Humboldt County Sheriff’s Deputies, USFS Agents, H.V.T.P. Officers and C.E.R.T. Officers conducted a marijuana investigation and eradication at another cultivation site located in the Supply Creek Watershed on the Hoopa Valley Indian Reservation. The three researchers again accompanied the officers. The officers located and eradicated 8,473 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from 3’ to 6’ tall. Agents also found a recently deceased Fisher in the garden site. Fishers are currently under review by the State and Federal Government to be listed as an endangered species. The officers and researchers again found environmental damage to the area. The researchers took custody of the deceased Fisher and intend to conduct a necropsy on it to determine the exact cause of death. There was no obvious signs as to what killed it.

On 8-1-2013, at approximately 9:00 a.m. the same team listed above with the researchers went to a third marijuana cultivation site located at Le-Terron Flat, Orleans , which is USFS property. The officers located and eradicated 376 growing marijuana plants ranging in size from 3’ to 4’ tall.

A total of 1942 lbs of dry fertilizer, 58 lbs of liquid concentrate fertilizer, 17 pounds of second generation anticoagulant rodenticide bait were removed in total from the three sites. The rodenticide by itself had the potential to kill 2,753 wood rats, 14 fishers and 5 spotted owls per the researchers. Many of these toxicants were near creeks.

The investigation into those responsible for these marijuana grows is continuing.

Anyone with information for the Sheriffs Office regarding this case or related criminal activity is encouraged to call the Sheriffs Office at 707-445-7251 or the Sheriffs Office Crime Tip line at 707-268-2539.

Canine parvovirus is a contagious virus which does not infect humans but if left untreated, in unvaccinated dogs, can have a mortality rate of over 90%. Puppies that have not been vaccinated or protected by maternal antibodies are especially vulnerable to infection by the virus. There is both an intestinal form of infection and a cardiac form. Common symptoms of the intestinal form are severe vomiting and dysentery, while the cardiac form causes respiratory or cardiovascular failure in young puppies.

Use the player below to hear more about parvovirus in a piece submitted by KMUD Community Journalist Monique Kemper. This story aired on the KMUD Local News on Thurs., July 25, 2013 and includes an interview with Kim McPherson, manager of the Garberville Redway Veterinary Group and others having experience with canine parvovirus.

This photo was taken from Sprowel Creek Road looking down near the junction of Sprowel Creek with the South Fork Eel River.

Severe smoky conditions on the North Coast are continuing as smoke drifts southward from several fires in Oregon. The fires coincided with numerous lightning strikes in various parts of Oregon. The biggest fire in this cluster (the Sunnyside Turnoff Fire ), located just north of Warm Springs Oregon, has currently burned 51,340 acres and is reported to be 90% contained, according to the Incident Information system (InciWeb), as of Sun., July 28, 2013 at 8 am. The Sunnyside Turnoff Fire began Saturday July 20th, 2013 and was reported to involve 798 firefighting personnel.

At least 11 dog deaths from suspected blue-green algae poisoning have occurred in the last dozen years, according to the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS). A recent press release from DHHS warns that low flows in local rivers, along with sustained high temperatures, have led to ideal conditions for accelerated blooms of potentially toxic blue-green algae. The algae can occur in any freshwater body and appears as a scum, foam or mats having colors ranging from green, blue-green, white to brown.

Human beings can also be in danger from this type of toxin, especially small children, but dogs are especially vulnerable because they are more apt to swallow the toxin when licking their fur. According to the press release, "Potential symptoms in dogs following exposure to blue-green algae toxins can include lethargy, difficulty breathing, salivation, excessive urination, vomiting, diarrhea or convulsions." The full press release appears below.

Full press release from the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services, dated July 25, 2013:

Officials with the Humboldt County Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) are warning recreational users of the South Fork Eel, Van Duzen, Klamath and Mattole rivers, Big Lagoon, Freshwater Lagoon and all other freshwater bodies to avoid contact with algae this summer.

Low flows along the South Fork of the Eel River as well as the Van Duzen, coupled with sustained high temperatures in the inland areas, have created the ideal conditions for rapid blooming of blue-green algae.

DHHS is aware of 11 dog deaths that may have been caused by blue-green algae poisoning since 2001. The dogs died shortly after swimming in Big Lagoon, the South Fork Eel River and the Van Duzen River.

A nerve toxin associated with blue-green algae was found in the stomachs of the dogs that died on the South Fork Eel River in 2002. The same toxin was found in water samples from the South Fork Eel and Van Duzen rivers in 2009 just after two dogs died. This poison is the most likely cause of the dog deaths on these rivers. Dogs are more vulnerable than people because they may swallow the toxin when they lick their fur. The onset of symptoms can be rapid; dogs have died within 30 minutes to one hour after leaving the water.

Blue-green algae blooms that produce a liver toxin have been documented in Klamath River reservoirs and the Klamath River this year. The current status of this river may be found at the Klamath Basin Monitoring Program website: http://www.kbmp.net/blue-green-algae-tracker.

Blue-green algae can be present in any freshwater body. It looks like green, blue-green, white or brown scum, foam or mats floating on the water. Usually, it does not affect animals or people. However, warm water and abundant nutrients can cause blue-green algae to grow more rapidly than usual. These floating algal masses, or “blooms,” can produce natural toxins that are very potent. Dogs and children are most likely to be affected because of their smaller body size and tendency to stay in the water for longer periods.

DHHS officials recommend the following guidelines for recreational users of all freshwater areas in Humboldt County:

• Keep children, pets and livestock from swimming in or drinking water containing algal scums or mats.• Adults should also avoid wading and swimming in water containing algal blooms. Try not to swallow or inhale water spray in an algal bloom area.• If no algal scums or mats are visible, you should still carefully watch young children and warn them not to swallow any water. • Fish should be consumed only after removing the guts and liver and rinsing fillets in tap water. • Never drink, cook with or wash dishes with water from rivers, streams or lakes. • Get medical attention immediately if you think that you, your pet or livestock might have been poisoned by blue-green algae toxins. Be sure to tell the doctor about possible contact with blue-green algae.

Human activities can have a big effect on nutrient and water flows in rivers, streams or lakes. Phosphorous and nitrogen found in fertilizers, animal waste and human waste can stimulate blooms. Excessive water diversions can increase water temperatures and reduce flows. People can take the following measures to prevent algal blooms in local waters:

• Be very conservative with the use of water, fertilizers and pesticides on your lawn, garden or agricultural operation. • Recycle any “spent” soil that has been used for intensive growing by tilling it back into gardens, or protect it from rainfall to avoid nutrient runoff. • Plant or maintain native plants around banks. These plants help filter water and don’t require fertilizers.• Pump and maintain your septic system every three to four years. • Prevent surface water runoff from agricultural and livestock areas. • Prevent erosion around construction and logging operations.

On May 14, 2013, the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors unanimously passed a resolution of opposition to the use of anticoagulant rodenticides (click here to see that story) and now the state of California has proposed regulations focusing on that class of rodenticides. The proposal would require that the Agricultural Commissions Office regulate and provide oversight for the use of these rodenticides and would also eliminate their availability in the retail marketplace.

Hear more on this important issue, using the player below, including comments made by Jeff Dolf, Humboldt County Agriculture Commissioner, during a presentation to the County Board of Supervisors, clarifing that these rodenticides would not be legal in marijuana grows. This piece was submitted by KMUD News Correspondent Daniel Mintz and aired on the KMUD Local News Tues., July 23, 2013.

The biotechnology, broadly called genetic engineering or "GE", has been enthusiastically embraced by some while being vehemently opposed by others. Proponents see GE, also referred to GMO (Genetically Modified Organisms), as a critical technology to meet future food supply needs on a planet faced with global weather changes and over-population, while opponents question the safety of the technology and point out associated side effects such as unwanted contamination of non-GMO seed stock by cross-pollination with GMO crops.

Hear more about the issues surrounding the GMO controversy using the player below. This piece was aired by KMUD News Anchor Eileen Russell on the KMUD Local News on July 10, 2013. The piece includes interviews with UC Riverside Professor Alan McHughen, a Biotechnology Specialist and Geneticist; Jeff Dolf, Humboldt County Agriculture Commissioner as well as comments from organic farmers, environmentalists, and anti-GMO activists.

Water use conditions are part of a General Plan Update Amendment approved on June 9, 2013 by the Humboldt County Board of Supervisors. The amendment involved zoning changes on portions of the Etter Ranch near the intersection of Wilder Ridge and Mattole Road. The re-zoning will allow portions of the ranch to accommodate residential and commercial uses which were previously restricted by the Agricultural-exclusive designation. The re-zone will facilitate a proposed project to restore the Honeydew Town Center atmosphere that existed before fires, floods and earthquakes led to its collapse.

In order to insure that the revitalization project will not create additional strain on water resources, several conditions accompanied approval including possible additional on-site water storage, bans on diversions during low-flow periods, and monitoring of the project development by the Department of Fish and Wildlife.

More information can be found by using the audio player below to hear a piece submitted by KMUD News Correspondent Daniel Mintz. This story was aired by KMUD News Anchor, Eileen Russell, on Wed., July 10, 2013.

Update: KMUD makes audio recording of this nearly three-hour forum available on this website. Audio has been edited into five parts, and can be listened to or downloaded from the links below.

Salmonid Restoration Federation and Friends of the Eel River hosted a Water Rights educational forum for rural landowners on July 11, 2013 at the Beginnings Octagon in Briceland. Speakers included Jane Arnold, water specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Matt McCarthy with the Division of Water Rights of the State Water Board, Tasha McKee Sanctuary Forest, Bryan McFadin of the Northcoast Water Quality Control Board, and Scott Greacen of Friends of the Eel River. An audience of about 150 residents came to learn about water rights, small domestic use permits, and what constitutes a riparian right. For more information, please call SRF at 707 923-7501 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

A Water Rights Educational Forum for Rural Landowners will be held on Thursday, July 11 from 4-7pm at the Beginnings Octagon in Briceland.The forum will be hosted by Salmonid Restoration Federation (SRF) and Friends of the Eel River and features speakers Jane Arnold, Water Specialist with the California Department of Fish and Wildlife, Matt McCarthy with the Division of Water Rights of the State Water Control Board, Bryan McFadin, from the North Coast Water Quality Control Board, and Tasha McKee from Sanctuary Forest. Attendees will learn about water rights, small domestic use permits, and what constitutes a riparian right. For more information call SRF at 707 923-7501 or email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

There will be time set aside after the presentations for a question and answer period. The presentation part of the Water Rights Forum will be broadcast live on KMUD from 4 to 6 pm.

Use the player below to hear more about this Water Rights Forum, including an interview with Dana Soltzman, Executive Director of Salmonid Restoration Federation. This story was aired by KMUD News Director, Terri Klemetson on the KMUD Local News Mon., July 8. 2013.

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